Coaxial Locking Ring with Radially Segmented Detents
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking mechanisms in rear view devices suffer from frictional wear and instability due to uneven force distribution, leading to degradation over time and potential damage during movement between operating and parking positions.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial locking ring system with radially distributed locking elements, featuring interlocking detents and recesses, provides symmetrical load distribution and reduced wear, utilizing V-shaped profiles for enhanced stability and a secondary locking position with shallower elements for reduced unlocking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism with single set of locking elements is used, then the structure is simple, but the force distribution is uneven causing frictional wear and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is segmented into multiple sets of locking elements (first set at outer radius, second set at inner radius) that are distributed radially. This segmentation allows the locking force to be distributed across multiple contact points, reducing uneven wear and improving locking stability while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular arrangement.
2Strength
If deep locking elements are used for strong locking, then the locking strength is high, but the unlocking force required is also high causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a single-radius locking system to a multi-radius system with locking elements distributed at different radial distances. The V-shaped profiles oriented at different angles create complementary locking actions where the combined effect of multiple shallower engagements provides sufficient locking strength while reducing the peak unlocking force required, thereby minimizing frictional wear.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking elements are distributed at single radius, then the manufacturing is simple, but the load distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
Different sets of locking elements are positioned at different radial distances from the pivot axis, with each set having specific local characteristics (outer set for primary locking, inner set for supplementary locking). This local differentiation optimizes the force distribution across the locking interface, ensuring symmetric load sharing while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production methods for each set.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking ring with a center axis includes a first set of locking elements which extend radially from a first radial distance from the center axis of the locking ring to a second radial distance from the center axis, and which are arranged in a plurality of first groups including at least one locking element each, where the first groups are arranged in a circumferentially equidistant manner around the center axis, and a second set of locking elements, which extend radially from the first radial distance from the central axis to a third radial distance from the central axis, where the third radial distance is smaller than the second radial distance, and which are arranged in a plurality of second groups including at least one further locking element each. A rear view device for a vehicle and a motor vehicle with the rear view device are also described.